Vanderbilt Basketball Promotes James Strong To Assistant Coach

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Vanderbilt men’s basketball Head Coach Jerry Stackhouse has announced that James Strong has been elevated to Assistant Coach.

Strong, who graduated from Vandy in 2000 and was a captain for the Commodores, has served on Stackhouse’s staff in various roles for each of the last four seasons.

“We are excited to promote James Strong to an assistant coach,” says Stackhouse. “He is a Vanderbilt man who loves the university, the city and our basketball program. He is an excellent basketball coach with extensive experience across the Southeast. We are confident that his connection to Vanderbilt and his familiarity with the spirit of Memorial Magic will tremendously benefit our program as he continues to mentor our student-athletes.”

The program record holder for steals in a game and in a season, Strong previously served as an assistant coach at Belmont for eight seasons and Furman for five. Prior to that, he was on staff at Vanderbilt under Kevin Stallings for six seasons.

Strong recently completed his 27th season in college basketball as a student-athlete, coach or staff member. He has been part of 18 winning seasons, six NCAA Tournaments and 10 NIT appearances. His teams have won seven regular season championships and three conference tournament championships.

“I love what we are building here at Vanderbilt,” says Strong. “There’s something special about working for your alma mater, and I’ve loved serving on the staff the last four seasons. I’m excited and thankful to Coach Stackhouse for this opportunity to continue to work with our student-athletes in a new role.”

During his current tenure with the Dores, Strong has helped the resurgence of the program, including back-to-back NIT quarterfinals appearances. He spent the 2022-2023 season as the program’s Director of Operations, the 2021-2022 campaign as the Director of Scouting & Recruiting and the previous two as the Director of Player Personnel.

Prior to his return to Vandy, Strong made a tremendous impact for Belmont as an assistant coach – helping the Bruins reach four NCAA Tournaments during an eight-season stretch. Belmont went 195-71 during his tenure, won six consecutive regular season conference championships, received top 25 poll votes and earned victories over North Carolina, Marquette, Stanford and Georgia.

As a student-athlete, he was a four-year letter winner for the Commodores (1996-2000), leading Vanderbilt to three postseason appearances – one NCAA Tournament, two NIT appearances. As a junior, Strong led the SEC and established a Vanderbilt single-season record in steals (77). He ranks fourth on the Commodores’ career steals list (209) and served as Team Captain as a senior.

Originally from Huntsville, Alabama, Strong earned a Bachelor’s degree in human and organizational development from Vanderbilt in 2000.

TSU Partners With WNSR To Enhance Game Day Coverage

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Tennessee State University (TSU) and Nashville Sports Radio WNSR have announced a three-year partnership to enrich the gameday experience for Tiger fans and expand the coverage of TSU football and basketball throughout the Nashville region.

In this innovative collaboration, WNSR Radio Nashville, known for its local sports coverage, will serve as the official radio broadcast partner for TSU Football and Basketball. This multi-year agreement grants WNSR exclusive rights to provide live play-by-play coverage of all TSU football and basketball games, including regular season matches and postseason appearances. This partnership signifies a major milestone for both institutions, combining the rich traditions of TSU with WNSR’s dedication to delivering comprehensive sports coverage.

“We are thrilled to return to WNSR, one of the founding stations for TSU Athletics,” says Dr. Mikki Allen, Director of Athletics at TSU. “The profound significance that WNSR will bring to our football and basketball games will undoubtedly be cherished by our devoted fans.”

WNSR’s flagship network, 560 AM, 95.9 FM (Nashville), 107.9 FM (Smyrna), and WNSR.com, will broadcast all TSU football and men’s basketball games, allowing fans to stay connected with their beloved Tigers regardless of their location. Additionally, WNSR will offer in-depth pregame and postgame analysis, exclusive interviews with coaches and players, and behind-the-scenes content to engage fans on a deeper level.

The inaugural broadcast of this partnership will take place during the season-opening football game at Notre Dame on Saturday, Sept. 2.

“Voice of the Tigers” Greg Pogue will handle play-by-play duties for both football and men’s basketball, with former Tennessee Titan Chris Sanders joining him in the football booth. Veteran broadcaster Albert Dawson will return to the WNSR airwaves and is set to team up with Pogue for the men’s basketball broadcasts. Adam Johnson, WNSR Operations Manager, will serve as Executive Producer for all TSU broadcasts.

“This collaboration with TSU perfectly aligns with our mission to provide Nashville sports fans with top-quality coverage,” says Johnson. “We are committed to showcasing the exceptional talent and dedication of TSU athletes, and we are honored to become the radio home for Tiger football. Through this partnership, we aim to elevate the game day experience for all TSU fans and foster a deeper connection between the radio station and the North Nashville community.”

In addition to game day broadcasts, WNSR Radio Nashville will collaborate with TSU Football on community outreach initiatives, special events and promotional activities.

As part of the agreement, WNSR will feature dedicated coaches’ shows, highlighting Football Head Coach Eddie George and Men’s Basketball Head Coach Penny Collins, offering fans an inside look at the players, coaches and game strategies.

WNSR can also be streamed on mobile devices using the TSU Tigers app and through Alexa smart speakers.

College Corner: Vandy & MTSU At GEODIS Park, Belmont NIL Store, Vandy Women’s Basketball

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Vanderbilt Soccer To Face MTSU At GEODIS Park

GEODIS Park. Photo: Courtesy of Nashville SC

Vanderbilt’s women’s soccer team will play the first ever collegiate soccer match at GEODIS Park when they host Middle Tennessee on Sunday, September 10.

“We are so excited to continue developing our partnership with Nashville SC,” says Vanderbilt head soccer coach Darren Ambrose. “I am so grateful to Nashville SC owner and Vandy Athletics supporter John Ingram and our Athletic Director, Dr. Candice Storey Lee, for helping pull this event together.”

This will be the eighth meeting between the two teams with the Dores holding a 6-1-0 edge over Middle Tennessee. Vanderbilt shut out the Blue Raiders, 4-0, in the most recent meeting in the series as the Commodores extended their win streak to seven consecutive games to open the 2022 season.

“As a lifelong Vandy supporter, I’m thrilled that they will be playing the first college match ever at GEODIS Park. But, moreover, as someone committed to building and fostering a soccer culture throughout Middle Tennessee, this match marks a significant step in that direction,” says Ingram. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome these two teams into our stadium, and I’m sure it will be a day to remember for all.”

More details about the match will be announced at a later date. For those interested in attending the match, please fill out an interest form here.

 

 

 

Belmont Partners With Campus Ink On Belmont NIL Store

Belmont University Athletics has announced a new partnership with The NIL Store powered by Campus Ink to offer Belmont athletes apparel to fans .

The Belmont NIL Store, coming soon to belmont.nil.store online, will provide NIL merchandising opportunities and industry-leading payouts to every Belmont student-athlete. The NIL Store powered by Campus Ink will launch a complete NIL merchandise platform for Belmont student-athletes, featuring officially licensed apparel.

Every student-athlete who signs up will possess a personalized digital locker room which will house their merchandise.

The Campus Ink team handles all the creative, product creation, design, marketing, fulfillment and customer service aspects for its student-athletes. Additionally, Campus Ink works directly with student-athletes to educate them on merchandising, marketing and sales trends to develop strategies for optimal success.

 

 

Jacob Ogle Named Lipscomb WBB Assistant Coach & Director of Operations

Head Coach Lauren Sumski and the women’s basketball coaching staff are pleased to announce the promotion of Jacob Ogle to Assistant Coach and Director of Operations.

“We are thrilled to keep another Bison in the Herd!” Coach Sumski says. “Jacob dedicated countless hours to the program in any capacity required. He demonstrated great initiative and capability in an operational capacity, and he showed a true understanding of the game and our system.”

In just a year, he has been a tremendous asset to the program, served in several areas behind the scenes, and built relationships across campus. Ogle was a student assistant for the Bisons for the past year. As a student assistant, he was instrumental in advanced opponent scouting, video coordination, stats and analytics, and player development.

Before Lipscomb, Ogle served in multiple capacities at Nashville Christian School, including an assistant coach opportunity for the middle and high school boys’ basketball teams and the head coach for the middle school’s junior varsity team.

Ogle prepped at Nashville Christian, where he was a part of two district and sectional championship teams and helped his team to their first state tournament appearance since 1981.

TSU Becomes First HBCU To Add Hockey Program

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Tennessee State University (TSU) is making history by becoming the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to offer men’s ice hockey at the collegiate level.

“Bringing ice hockey to Tennessee State University is a part of our continued commitment to provide our students with new opportunities and to broaden new interests in areas where they have traditionally had limited or no access,” says Glenda Glover, TSU President. “We appreciate our ongoing partnership with the Nashville Predators, which has played a pivotal role in our decision to pursue this historic undertaking of starting an ice hockey program at TSU, and the first for an HBCU. TSU has a tremendous legacy in athletics. Adding ice hockey to our programs will start a new chapter and build upon that legacy.”

TSU Hockey will commence its inaugural season in 2024, signaling a new era for the university. The team will begin as a club-level program but aspires to achieve NCAA Division I status for both men’s and women’s sides in the near future. While no specific timeline exists for achieving Varsity NCAA status, TSU is committed to building a solid foundation for long-term success.

“Today is a historic day as Tennessee State University, a prestigious HBCU, collaborates with the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Nashville Predators in an unprecedented partnership,” says Dr. Mikki Allen, TSU Director of Athletics.

The club hockey program will receive comprehensive oversight under the guidance of the Department of Athletics, ensuring a well-structured and successful implementation. TSU is currently in the process of hiring a Director of Club Hockey Operations, who will be responsible for fundraising, seeking corporate partnerships, recruiting student-athletes and managing day-to-day operations. In the interim, Assistant AD Nick Guerriero will handle all inquiries related to TSU Hockey.

“I am thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with Dr. Allen to promote diversity and excellence in collegiate hockey,” says Guerriero. “We will strive to elevate the program to new heights, establishing a legacy that will inspire future generations. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the development of the program on and off the ice, and I eagerly anticipate the challenges and successes that await us.”

The entrance into collegiate ice hockey represents a significant milestone for Tennessee State University and the broader HBCU community. By breaking barriers and creating fresh opportunities, TSU Hockey aims to establish a lasting legacy of inclusion, excellence and athletic accomplishment.

“Together, we celebrate the power of collaboration as we dismantle barriers, diversify the game and propel hockey into a new era of inclusivity,” Allen remarks. “This partnership serves as a catalyst, driving change and ensuring that the game we love embraces the beauty of diversity. With Tennessee State University, the NHL and the Nashville Predators working hand in hand, we have the potential to reshape the future of hockey and inspire generations to come. Together, we will forge a path towards a more inclusive and united hockey community.”

To support this initiative, the NHL, NHL Players Association, Nashville Predators and College Hockey Inc. will play integral roles in the lead-up to the announcement. College Hockey Inc. conducted a feasibility study in 2021, emphasizing the significance of introducing ice hockey at an HBCU to promote diversity and inclusion in sports.

“Introducing hockey at the collegiate level is always exciting but Club Hockey at Tennessee State University is truly special,” says Kevin Westgarth, NHL VP of Hockey Development & Strategic Collaboration. “Welcoming Club Hockey at a storied HBCU is a meaningful step in the right direction for the sport and will undoubtedly contribute to the vibrant hockey community and inspire future generations of players.”

The Nashville Predators organization has maintained a strong relationship with TSU and began the partnership by joining the university in its February 2020 ‘One Million in One Month’ fundraising campaign as a major contributor. The Nashville-based NHL team has continued to donate to TSU’s scholarship programs as well as provide internship and job opportunities through the TSU Career Development Center.

Belmont’s Ben Sheppard Selected By Indiana Pacers In First Round Of NBA Draft

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Ben Sheppard vs Drake University. Photo: Courtesy of Belmont Athletics

Belmont University men’s basketball star Ben Sheppard was selected by the Indiana Pacers with the No. 26 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft Thursday from Barclays Center.

Sheppard joins Joe Gaines (1972, Portland Trail Blazers) and Dylan Windler (2019, Cleveland Cavaliers) as the third Belmont men’s basketball player selected in the NBA Draft.

Sheppard led Belmont to 98 victories and three conference championships during his decorated career, impressing NBA organizations throughout the pre-draft process.

Beyond individual workouts, Sheppard wowed scouts at the 2023 NBA Combine in Chicago, posting the fastest shuttle-run time and scoring a game-high 25 points in his final scrimmage.

The guard stood among select company in college basketball as players with at least 1,500 points, 450 rebounds, 200 assists and 100 steals.

Sheppard averaged 18.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game this past season as Belmont won 20 or more games for a 13th consecutive season.

A finalist for the Lou Henson National Player of the Year award this past season, Sheppard posted 29 double figure scoring games, including 12 games with 20 or more points.

Sheppard was one of only four players in college basketball this past season with at least 600 points, 150 rebounds, 75 assists, 75 3-point field goals while shooting at least 40 percent from 3-point distance (Brandin Podziemski, Souley Boum, Landers Nolley).

The first player in the conference named Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week three times this season, Sheppard was the only player this season named All-MVC First Team and MVC All-Defensive Team.

Among his notable performances, Sheppard scored a career-high 41 points at Tennessee Tech, a conference season-high 35 points at Murray State Feb. 1 and 33 points vs. Middle Tennessee Dec. 10.

The Atlanta native adds to Belmont’s growing NBA ledger, which includes 2017 NBA Champion and six-year veteran Ian Clark, Windler, Utah Jazz assistant coach Evan Bradds and leading NBA skills development coach Drew Hanlen.

Sheppard becomes the 275th men’s basketball player in the history of the Missouri Valley Conference selected in the NBA Draft, joining the likes of Larry Bird, Walt Frazier, Doug Collins, Hersey Hawkins, Kyle Korver, Doug McDermott and Landry Shamet.

Enrique Bradfield Jr. Wins Second Gold Glove Award

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Enrique Bradfield Jr. holding the SEC Tournament trophy. Photo: Courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics

Vanderbilt baseball star Enrique Bradfield Jr. is a Gold Glove Award winner for the second time in his career as announced by the American Baseball Coaches Association and Rawlings Sporting Goods on Wednesday (June 21).

The ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove teams were first recognized in 2007 and are presented annually to the top defensive players from each division of collegiate and high school baseball.

Bradfield was a defensive stalwart for the Dores once again this season, patrolling center field and making countless highlight-reel plays.

Bradfield had the most putouts among SEC outfielders without committing a single error during the regular season. His speed and ability in center field played a role in Vanderbilt ranking third in NCAA DI in hits allowed per nine innings and 14th in DI in fielding percentage.

Bradfield earned NCBWA All-American and ABCA All-Region honors while also being named to the All-SEC Second Team and the All-Defensive Team.

Bradfield became Vandy’s all-time leading base stealer in his junior campaign. The outfielder once again led the SEC in stolen bases in 2023 with 37. He totaled 69 runs scored to lead the Commodores and had the third-most hits on the team.

Bradfield became Vanderbilt’s fourth Gold Glove winner as a freshman in 2021, joining Sonny Gray, Vince Conde and Jeren Kendall. He’s the first Commodore to win the award twice in his career.

Nashville To Host SEC Football Media Days & Free Kickoff Concert

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The SEC and Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (NCVC) have announced that Nashville will host a SEC Kickoff presented by Regions with a free concert from Grammy-nominated band Midland on July 18, as the city hosts SEC Football Media Days for the first time.

 The media event will take place on Lower Broadway starting at 5 p.m. CT, and will be part of a special edition of SEC Nation presented by Regions telecast on ESPN2 and SEC Network at 6 p.m. CT. The street concert will follow at approximately 7 p.m.

“We are excited to bring SEC Football Media Days to Nashville as we kick off the 2023 season,” says Greg Sankey, SEC Commissioner. “When we began moving SEC Media Days to new locations, we wanted to enjoy the experiences uniquely present in each community and we look forward to the Tuesday night concert blending Music City with SEC Football.”

The concert stage will be located near Fourth and Broadway and is the first time SEC Media Days has incorporated a street party and live music concert into their event. The concert is free and open to the public.

“Partnering with the SEC to host this high-profile event is both an honor and opportunity for our city,” says Butch Spyridon, CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “We are adding live music to give the event a Music City touch, and we hope it’s only the beginning of a long-lasting relationship. We want all the SEC fans in Middle Tennessee to come out, represent their teams and enjoy a free show right in their backyard.”

The 2023 Football Kickoff presented by Regions event will bring more than 1,000 credentialed media members to Nashville and the host venue, Grand Hyatt. The annual event previews the upcoming college football season with coaches and players from each SEC school providing overviews of their teams. The gathering was held in Hoover, Alabama for many years, and this is only the third time the SEC has taken it to another city.

Vanderbilt Football’s SEC Opponents Announced For 2024

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Photo: Courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics

Vanderbilt football’s SEC opponents for the 2024 season have been announced.

The Commodores are slated to host rival Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina and newcomer Texas, and will travel to Kentucky, Missouri, Auburn and LSU in 2024.

The SEC announced the league would play eight conference games as Texas and Oklahoma join the league. In addition to the eight games, each SEC team plays at least one non-conference opponent from a Power Five conference or a major independent in 2024. Vanderbilt will host Virginia Tech at FirstBank Stadium to open the season.

The schedules were based on traditional opponents and a balanced strength of schedule. Tennessee and Kentucky are two of the most common opponents in Vanderbilt history. The 2024 season will mark the 119th meeting between the Commodores and Volunteers, while Vandy and Kentucky will meet for the 97th time (Vanderbilt plays both in 2023).

As members of the SEC East, South Carolina and Vanderbilt have met annually since the Gamecocks joined the SEC in 1992, while Missouri and Vanderbilt have played annually since the Tigers’ admittance to the league in 2012.

Alabama will travel to Nashville for the first time since 2017 and the second time since 2007. The teams last met in 2022 in Tuscaloosa. Vanderbilt will visit LSU for the first time since 2009. The teams met in both 2019 and 2020 in Nashville. Auburn and Vandy are set for their 44th meeting in 2023, with the Commodores’ first visit since 2016.

Vanderbilt leads the all-time series with Texas, 8-3-1, but the teams have not met since 1928. The 2024 season will mark Texas’ first trip to Vandy since 1925.

The 2023 Vanderbilt football season opens on Aug. 26 when Hawaii visits FirstBank Stadium.